Chiayi is about one and a half hours from Taichung by train. Chiayi is a fairly industrial city, but provides a good starting point for various mountain trips including Jade Mountain, the highest in Asia east of the Himala-yas and Alishan?€famous for its sunrise view. Alishan is the most popular tourist site in Taiwan because of its awe-inspiring natural beauty. The Chinese style Chung Cheng Park located in the city holds 12 cannons dating back more than 200 years ago.

The local specialties are Turkey Rice and square-shaped cookies. Two teachers in this area are excited to report that Chiayi recently got its first Starbucks Coffee shop near the big Chiang Kai Shek fountain traffic circle. A number of pizza places and the Calgary Cafe on Gua Hua Street are popular hot spots for NSTs needing a quick fix of western food.

As Chiayi is a smaller city, most places are within a 10-minute scooter ride. Some teachers may opt to get a bicycle instead, although those interested in hiking and exploring the mountains will find them much more accessable with a scooter.

The main train line stops in Chiayi and offers regular northbound trains to Taichung and southbound trains to Tainan. It's just over an hour to either city. Bus lines run regularly to most major cities on the island from Chiayi.